Best Lesser-Known Surf Spots in Australia

A former account executive at Yelp in San Francisco, Kevin Duron finds software engineers for new projects at Google as a technical sourcer. An avid traveler and surfer, he has taken numerous surf trips around the world. In the near future, Kevin Duron hopes to take a surf trip to Indonesia and Australia. 

Australia is well known as a surfing mecca, but some surfers prefer less crowded waves. Below are just a few of the country’s lesser-known, and less crowded, surf spots. 

- Catherine Hill Bay - Found just two hours north of Sydney in New South Wales, Catherine Hill Bay is a stretch of largely forgotten beach. Its Welsh-style village creates a unique historic feel and surfers can enjoy the beach’s empty waves and barrels. After a day on the water, surfers can also relax at the coal mining town’s old pub or go exploring.

- Agnes Water - Surrounded by national park, Agnes Water offers beautiful views and uncrowded waves. The small town is located in Queensland on the Discovery Coast and regularly receives the Tasman Sea swell. The northernmost surf spot before Australia’s reef starts, Agnes Water remains relatively unknown by the rest of the world.

- Cave Beach - Another New South Wales spot, Cave Beach is found in the Booderee National Park and is owned by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community. It is a nearby alternative to the oft-crowded Jervis Bay. Cave Beach was recognized as one of the country’s best secluded beach camping spots by Australian Geographic and is thus good for multiday surf trips.

Tips for Novice Rock Climbers

Holding a bachelor’s degree in communication and professional writing from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Kevin Duron serves as a technical sourcer with Google in Mountain View, California. In his leisure time, Kevin Duron enjoys outdoor activities such as rock climbing.

Rock climbing is an exhilarating outdoor adventure, but given the inherent risks that come with the sport, beginners should avoid certain actions to ensure safe and enjoyable climbs. Following are three of the most important tips for new climbers.

Double-check belays and make sure they are correctly positioned. Visually examine the knots. Ensure they are tight, correctly tied, and run properly through the harness. 

Wear a helmet. This is typically not an issue for outdoor climbers, but indoor climbers often fail to use protective headwear, even though the risk for head injury is no less significant.

Work on perfecting proper climbing technique. If you attempt to power through certain climbing moves with bent arms, an undue strain is placed on the forearms, which can cause swelling. Keep your arms straight as much as you can.